Indiana University Board of Trustees Changes: A Closer Look

The Indiana University Board of Trustees has undergone a significant change, with the governor now having the power to appoint all nine trustees. This shift away from elected positions has raised concerns about transparency and accountability.

The change was made through a legislative conference committee process, which bypassed normal public hearings or floor amendments. Democratic strategist Lara Beck expressed her dismay over this approach:

“By doing it this way without public debate, without public discussion, and on something that’s so consequential, particularly because of the economic impact that IU has, frankly, on the state of Indiana, when you do something of this consequence, it doesn’t look good for the supermajority, it doesn’t look good for the governor, and I think it puts forth a perception that, when the process is not followed, there’s something wrong about it,”

Republican strategist Whitley Yates defended the change, stating it was part of the normal legislative process. She also pointed to past issues at IU, including clashes between administrators and trustees.

The budget cuts in response to new revenue projections have also raised concerns. Higher education suffered significant cuts, with 5% reductions in state funding for repairs, rehabilitation, and operations. Beck emphasized the need for universities to make college more affordable:

“Universities have to put more effort into making college more affordable and think carefully about what services and features are truly needed to accomplish their education mission.”

Yates suggested that the funding cuts would force colleges to re-evaluate their priorities, much like Purdue University did when then-President Mitch Daniels froze tuition.